Paris 2024 Olympics Wrestling: Will the gold medal match in women's freestyle 50kg happen after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification?
The Paris 2024 Olympics has seen its share of dramatic moments, but none more heart-wrenching than the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the final of the women's freestyle 50kg category.
Disqualified for being overweight by reportedly just 100 grams, Phogat's unexpected exit left everybody in shock. This sudden turn of events has left everyone asking a crucial question: Will the gold medal match in the women’s freestyle 50kg category still take place?
In Olympic wrestling, rules are strict about weight categories. Athletes must weigh in on the morning of their match and again, 15 minutes before their matches to ensure they meet the required weight limits. Failing to meet the required weight limits leads to a disqualification as it has been in Phogat’s case.
However, after Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, the officials at the Paris Olympics 2024 have announced that the Indian's semi-final opponent, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba, will replace the Indian in the final and the gold medal match will go ahead as scheduled.
The repechage match between Japan’s Yui Susaki and Ukraine’s Oksana Liva will become the bronze medal match.
The official statement read:
“VINESH Vinesh (IND) failed second day weigh-in. According to the article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, VINESH Vinesh (IND) will be replaced by the wrestler who lost against her in the Semifinal. Therefore GUZMAN LOPEZ Yusneylis (CUB) will compete in the Final. Repechage SUSAKI Yui (JPN) vs LIVACH Oksana (UKR) will become Bronze Medal Match.”
Vinesh Phogat’s incredible run at the Paris Olympics 2024
Despite the unfortunate events earlier today, Vinesh Phogat's performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Phogat’s run to the final in the women's freestyle 50 kg category saw her pull off several incredible victories.
She began her campaign with a sensational win in the Round of 16, where she stunned the world by defeating Japan’s Yui Susaki, a wrestler who was unbeaten in international matches up until then.
In the quarter-finals, Phogat defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Livach 7-5. She continued her winning streak into the semi-finals, where she overcame Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzmán Lopez 5-0.